Lindbergh Schweitzer teacher honored by national physical education group

Teacher Mary Lou Baranowski of Lindbergh Schweitzer Elementary School has been named the Southwest District Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education.

The award is given in recognition of outstanding teaching performance at the elementary school level and the ability to motivate today's youth to participate in a lifetime of physical activity.

Mary Lou Baranowsk
speaks with media.

“Every single day, she makes a difference for children and families," said   Deanne Rohde, Lindbergh Schweitzer Elementary School Principal. "Mary Lou personifies the idea of being your best self. She does not, will not, dwell on what is; she consistently envisions what could be. And because of this, the children in her care will continue to thrive.”

Baranowski, a physical education teacher at Lindbergh Schweitzer Elementary School since 1989, will learn at the Association's conference on April 26 if she is the National Physical Education Teacher of the Year.

A significant portion of Baranowski’s students have some form of a disability, which provides unique challenges, she said.

“I sought out a program called Action Based Learning Lab to help students whose skills may be below basic proficiency. I also use technology and cooperation from my fellow colleagues to assess student attainment of physical education concepts. At the end of the day, I strive to instill in each student a sense of accomplishment and a desire for lifelong wellness, regardless of their ability level,” she said.

Aside from teaching elementary students, she writes curriculum for Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids (SPARK) and provides training for teachers. With her adapted physical education background, she was able to offer a course pertaining to special needs students in physical education at San Diego State University.

Baranowski’s honors include The California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD) Outstanding Service Award for Physical Education and the President’s Challenge Demonstration Center Distinction. She also renewed as a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) in Early/Middle Childhood Physical Education in 2010.

The physical education teacher’s professional affiliations include NASPE and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), NASPE’s umbrella organization, CAHPERD Grant Committee, and the San Diego County Physical Education Advisory Counsel.

Baranowski received her bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a master’s degree in Physical Education from San Diego State University.